Orchestra approves 3-year contract with Ohio musicians

Updated
11:16 am EDT, Sunday, August 12, 2018

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The Columbus Symphony has announced a new contract with its 47 musicians taking effect next month.

The three-year collective-bargaining agreement provides a 3 percent raise for musicians. It also adds additional weeks of paid work to the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons, resulting in 28 weeks of guaranteed work for compensation by the third year.

The Columbus Dispatch reports the deal continues peaceful labor relations between the orchestra and musicians dating to a 2008 strike.

The agreement additionally extends access to employer group-health insurance over three years, continuing a benefit put in place in April.

The symphony's 2018-19 season begins Sept. 21 with "In Full Splendor: Opening Night at the Symphony," featuring pieces inspired by the Disney film "Fantasia."